Age Concern Responds To Insurance Changes
Age Concern Bermuda, a seniors advocacy group, has responded to the Ministerial Statement given in the House of Assembly earlier this week [Mar 3].
Age Concern offered a strong word of caution, saying ”Based on a cursory analysis of the new changes the advocacy group believes that there are four segments of the population that could be impacted by recent changes.
According to Claudette Fleming, Age Concern’s Executive Director, “Most of the changes represent payment transfers that are administrative in nature, transferring payment responsibility for certain classes of health conditions from the Government to the insurer. We understand that these changes are not likely to impact senior citizens that have basic levels of insurance coverage and benefits, including HIP and FutureCare subscribers.”
“Likewise, we understand that seniors who currently have health insurance coverage should not be negatively impacted by the increase in the aged subsidy copay, as the increases will be passed on to insurers, who are likely to cover the increases via the insured seniors health premiums. We also understand that actuarially, the new increases should be covered at existing premium rates.”
“However, as a seniors’ advocacy group, we are not so naïve as to believe that some insurers might not be tempted to raise premium rates as a result of these new changes. Subsequently, we urge regulators, policy makers, and those who are currently insured to watch this situation closely.”
“The second segment of the senior population in which Age Concern offers a strong word of caution is that of ‘uninsured’ seniors. The new changes to the Standard Hospital Benefit mean that overseas coverage is no longer available to the ‘uninsured,’ whereas previously over a third of costs could be covered.
Mr. Charles Jeffers, Chairman of Age Concern’s Advocacy Committee explained, “We understand from the Bermuda Health Council that the estimated rate of uninsured seniors represent 2% of the entire seniors population [age 65 years and older], which represents under 200 persons.
“It is likely that ‘uninsured’ seniors represent the most economically vulnerable in our community, although we also recognize that there are some who have simply chosen not to be insured. We urge seniors to ensure that they have insurance coverage and, if they do not, they should seek the help of Government’s Financial Assistance program.
“If you are a senior and feel uncomfortable about applying for help we invite you to call Age Concern to assist you in the process,” urged Mr. Jeffers.
Mrs. Fleming identified the third segment of the population that needed to be aware of the impact of recent changes, as the “general public.” A recent release from the Department of Statistics on Bermuda’s population projections for 2010-2020, identified some disturbing population trends.
“The report indicates that, while Bermuda has a growing ageing population, it simultaneously has a shrinking younger population. In addition, startling projections indicate that emigration will exceed immigration, meaning more Bermudians are moving abroad to live and less foreigners are coming to Bermuda to live, resulting in less people to financially support an ageing population. At the same time, health costs are skyrocketing.
“Our message to the younger public is to stay as healthy as you can. Prevention is the key, as it will keep healthcare costs down and could result in lower premiums and payouts in the future. A second message would be to save and plan your retirement in such a way that you can afford health care coverage,” Mr. Jeffers added.
“The healthcare system and related matters of healthcare financing is an extremely complex issue. We recognize that the Government felt that it had to do something to reduce expenditures and ultimately the deficit.
“However, the fact remains that these changes will affect those most economically vulnerable. In addition, although these changes will bring some measure of short-term relief to the Government purse, the changes signify a ‘band-aid’ approach to a gaping wound that must be given serious attention.
“A few years ago under the previous Government, the Ministry of Health embarked upon a National Health Plan. It is Age Concern’s understanding that the intent of the Plan was to grapple with the issue of healthcare coverage, affordability, availability and, costs.
“The work of the National Health Plan must continue. We cannot cut our way into progress. The best way to deal with the ageing of the Bermuda population is to face it head on. The people of Bermuda of all ages deserve our time, effort and attention to the matter of Healthcare Reform. We need to create a Bermuda that younger Bermudians want to be a part of.
“Age Concern understands that there cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach to care or coverage, but we must at least ensure that the most frail and financially vulnerable of our population are not further disadvantaged.”
“We encourage the public to get active and to make an earnest plea to their Parliamentary representatives to address the issue of a National Health and Ageing Plan for Bermuda,” concluded Mrs. Fleming.
The OBA refuses to touch the National Health Plan because it wasn’t an OBA document. Very sad to throw the baby out with the bath water just because you didn’t fill the tub. But we are seeing their method of governing. And it is very sad.